Getting Hipster in Hong Kong: Searching for the best coffee

by Denis Tsoi
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2014-10-03

It’s been a sort of a hobby of mine to try out new coffee shops in Hong Kong, especially as a developer who table hops between cafés in search of a decent Wifi hotspot or a quiet place that isn’t surrounded by either Teenagers barging up valuable table space or other startups.

As part of my research, I didn’t realise that there were so many interesting cafés located in Hong Kong — and to periodically review them all would be quite a massive undertaking.

I frequently visit 18 grams for my morning/afternoon caffeine fix. As a starter recommendation, I’d suggest them, especially if you like dark roasts and are not accustomed to the acidity of lighter roasts. If you go there after the lunch rush hour, it’s quite a nice place to sit.

Common Ground

19 Shing Wong St., Sheung Wan,

Opening Hours:Daily 11am-7pmClosed Tuesday

Contact: +852 2818 8318

I haven’t had the chance to visit them yet, Common Ground was closed during August (till 25th) for renovation.

Sheung Wan/Central

Cupping Room

This is a great place if you want to meet a friend in town. Why?… They serve pretty decent food and the coffee isn’t too bad either. If you can get a table to yourself, it’s a nice place to catch up with old friends. Great for business meetings.

Loft 10

G/F, 1 U Lam Terrace, Sheung Wan

Opening Hours:Daily 10am-7pm

Contact: +852 2540 2210

Last weekend, I went with one of my good friends to Lof10, it’s a quaint little place, which is smack bang in the middle of Hong Kong’s hipster town. If you go during the weekend, it’s serenely quiet and the area has this romantic tranquility which is somewhat mesmerising.

Very good date venue btw.

Il Caffe

G/F, 50 Gage St., Central,

Opening Hours:Mon-Thu: 930am-830pm,Fri/Sat: 930am-9pm,Sun: 930am-8pm

Contact: +852 2545 6663

Il Caffe is a dope place, the décor is quite exquisite. They have pretty classy lunches and at an affordable price. It gets pretty busy during lunch, so I’d only bring people if they have a patient personality.

Saffron Bakery Cafe

G/F., 24 Square Street, Sheung Wan,

Opening Hours:Mon: 830am-6pm,Wed-Sun: 830am-6pm,Closed Tuesday

Contact: +852 2806 2132

18 Grams

G.F., 71–77 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan,

Opening Hours:Daily: 8am-6pm

Contact: +852 2327 5557

There’s something interesting about 18 Grams that makes me feel special. I can’t quite put my finger on it — maybe it’s the baristas making me feel welcome or that take their time when they make your order? Maybe it’s the solidarity between the team themselves, which has a tinge of family values (like the banter between the baristas and the waiting staff)… Or maybe it’s the decor and the warmth that is associated with it, even in such a tropical climate?

But there’s one thing that I sincerely appreciate… and that’s the consistency and quality that each brew that I order… (even to the somewhat silly loyalty stamps you end up stacking… I think I must’ve ordered around 50 cups since I started working in the area a few months back).

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